Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.Remember Daihatsu?The last time Daihatsu sold cars in America, it was way back in 1992. But while it's been over 30 years since the brand left the country, it's still going strong in Asia. It did have its fair share of troubles along the way, but it was given a lifeline by Toyota, which helped it get to where it is today.In 1998, Toyota bought a 51% controlling stake in Daihatsu, and in 2016, Japan's biggest automaker had fully absorbed it. These days, it's effectively Toyota's budget-car division, and some Daihatsu-developed models are sold elsewhere as Toyotas. Daihatsu is also largely responsible for Toyota's kei cars.D-Sport RacingThe Mini-MinivanIn the U.S, Daihatsu sold the Charade and the Rocky, but it missed out on the small vans like the Hijet. The Charade is no more, and the Rocky has been transformed into a subcompact crossover. Meanwhile, the Hijet is still around, although the company's van range has been expanded.AdvertisementAdvertisementOne of the models it offers is the Gran Max. Also known as the Toyota Lite Ace, it's primarily a commercial vehicle for small businesses. It's not as small as, say, a kei van, but it's also no larger than something like a Hyundai Venue. Launched in 2007, the Gran Max and Lite Ace are offered as panel vans, mini trucks, or passenger minivans, and their size makes them ideal in tight and narrow streets. That said, Daihatsu Indonesia offers a new and totally different version of the Gran Max that's worth talking about.DaihatsuAs Many Seats as a SuburbanOver in Indonesia, Daihatsu sells the Gran Max Minibus, and it takes the name quite literally. It's not stretched or widened in any way, yet it manages to seat nine occupants. Yes, it can (supposedly) fit as many people as a Chevrolet Suburban LS with a front bench seat.So, how does it do it? There are the usual two front rows, but instead of a third row, the van has a pair of jump seats at the back. With that, it's five forward-facing seats, and the jump seats can hold four people, give or take. Mind you, Daihatsu didn't say it'll fit nine comfortably, but if carrying that many people is the only objective, then the Gran Max Minibus' efforts should count for something.DaihatsuRelaxed LegislationsTry doing this kind of vehicle in the U.S and Europe, and it's guaranteed to give safety regulators a panic attack. The Gran Max does have front airbags and stability control, but the vehicle's safety is largely dependent on the driver's skill. You won't find any seatbelts in the second row, and don't bother looking for them in the jump seats. It's safe to say that legislation is more relaxed in Indonesia and other parts of Southeast Asia. Otherwise, the Gran Max Minibus would never see the light of day.AdvertisementAdvertisementFor those curious about the specs, the standard engine is a 1.3-liter with 87 hp and 85 lb-ft of torque, while the optional 1.5-liter produces 96 hp and 99 lb-ft of torque. The only transmission offered is a five-speed manual. As it's primarily a workhorse, it has pretty robust underpinnings with a body-on-frame chassis and a solid rear axle suspended by coil springs.The price? Prices for the Gran Max Minibus range from 180,400,000 to 233,350,000 Indonesian rupiah. Convert that to U.S. dollars, that's about $10,000 to just under $13,000. It may not be the most spacious, comfortable, or safest minivan out there, but for the regions it serves, the little Daihatsu van does the job.DaihatsuThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Jun 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.